Which dysrhythmia is most commonly associated with heart failure?

Atrial fibrillation is the dysrhythmia most commonly associated with heart failure due to several important factors. In heart failure, the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised, leading to various changes in the heart's structure and function. These changes can result in increased pressure within the atria, which can promote the development of atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that can further exacerbate heart failure by causing a decrease in diastolic filling time and ventricular filling pressures, leading to a reduction in cardiac output. The chaotic electrical signals in the atria prevent effective atrial contraction, which is particularly detrimental for patients with heart failure who rely on adequate filling of the ventricles to maintain an effective cardiac output.

In contrast, atrial flutter, while it can occur in patients with heart failure, is less common and typically presents in a more organized manner compared to atrial fibrillation. Ventricular fibrillation, though life-threatening, is not specifically linked to heart failure as a primary dysrhythmia; it is usually a result of severe heart disease or acute myocardial infarction. Sinus tachycardia is a physiological response to various conditions including heart failure but does not represent